A steaming bowl of porridge with a drizzle of honey or golden syrup is the perfect way to warm up on a winter’s morning. Not only will it get your body in gear to face the cold, wholegrain oats also contain a whole host of nutrition benefits. Let’s take a closer look:
Take heart
Beta-glucan, the special soluble fibre in oats, has been identified as one of the key active ingredients that is responsible for their heart health benefits. Beta-glucan promotes this effect by lowering cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that the amount of beta-glucan needed for a significant cholesterol lowering effect (as part of low saturated fat and cholesterol diet) is 3 grams per day — the amount in only 60g or 1/3 cup of traditional rolled oats. They also contain potent phytochemicals, phenolic compounds in outer layer of grain, which act as antioxidants.
Keep a healthy weight
Like all whole grains, oats are high in fibre, which makes them an appropriate choice for weight loss eating plans. They have a low glycemic index and the soluble fibre helps fill you up and helps prevent overeating mid-morning. Also, compared to other whole grains, oats are higher in protein (approximately 10-17%), which makes them an effective addition to a higher protein diet for weight loss.
Boost your mood
High carbohydrate, nutritious foods like oats have another little-known effect, the ability to positively influence mood. Recent studies have confirmed that the types of breakfast people eat can affect the state of their mood in the middle of the day. Oats are rich in nutritious carbohydrates which can affect a chemical messenger in the brain called serotonin that promotes feelings of calmness and positive mood. And these calming effects may even improve the likelihood of sticking with a weight management program.
Finally oats may also boost your mood as they are heart warming and often conjure up pleasant memories associated with childhood. This is just what you want in your dietary prescription. And because they’re a breakfast food, they’re one of the easiest things to keep consistent and make a daily habit.
Dozens of delicious oats recipes for you to try at home.
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